(SNN Washington) An event billed as a conversation with soldiers has caused problems for the Bush administration. Some say that presidential handlers choreographed the conversation to match administration goals for Iraq.

The conversation took place at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, the birthplace of Saddam Hussein. It was kicked off by a briefing by Allison Barber, deputy assistant defense secretary. "This is an important time," Barber said. "The president is looking forward to having just a conversation with you."

While the proceedings where carefully rehearsed, it was immediately apparent that the President was quite as smooth with the Q&A as the troops with whom he was conversing. Despite the carefully typed spontaneous questions on the paper in front of him, the President furrowed his brow and stumbled over words. At one point, President Bush became disoriented and began licking the television screen. The President then said his tongue felt “tingly”.

Some have said that the carefully selected group of officers was not representative of the average soldier. "He needs to be talking to the boots on the ground and that's not a bunch of captains,” said Paul Rieckhoff of Operation Truth. Though others believed they were honestly speaking from their heart and the average soldier in Iraq believes the President is seven feet tall and can fly. And remember while Alan Alda was once a mere Army Captain, he is now a Senator, running for President.

posted by NewsBlog 5000  # Friday, October 14, 2005